Completing A Fast Passport Application   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Travel Tips    (submitted 2012-01-23)

A fast pass port application processing may be required for last-minute discount vacations, family emergencies or essential business trips. On average, the US Department of State takes six weeks to process applications and send out passports. If urgent travel plans mean you can't wait that long to get your passport, you have three options.

Expedited Service

If you intend to set off on your journey in three to four weeks, you can use the department's expedited postal service. Expedited applications for passports can usually be processed in around ten days, although various factors can cause delays. An extra fee is charged for the service and applications should be sent using two-way overnight delivery.

Passport Agencies

If your travel date is within two weeks, you may be able to speed up the process by applying in person. There are thirteen regional passport agencies located throughout the US. You can schedule an appointment by phone. You will need to supply proof of your plans to travel within fourteen days and you will be charged the standard fee for expedited passports.

Private Companies

If you are only given a few days notice before you need to leave the US, a private expediting service can help. These companies have connections with government offices that allow them to deliver passports to their clients in as little as two working days. They charge substantial service and shipping fees on top of the payment for expedited Department of State processing.

Required Documents

For any kind of fast passport application processing, you will need to have your official documents in order. This includes regulation sized passport photos, legal proof of identity, and proof of US citizenship. Delays will almost certainly result if any of the required documents are missing or unacceptable.

Preparation

If you've enlisted the help of a professional expediter, you'll have to bring all of your documents to local designated processing center. In addition to other requirements, you'll need a letter of authorization giving the company permission to represent you. A Government Acceptance Agent will witness you sign your application before it is delivered to the expediting service.

Website

The government's travel website is a useful resource for government information on applying for passports. It details the documents that will be accepted in support of applications. Professional expediting businesses guide their customers through the steps necessary to obtain passports. They provide complete instructions for completing applications and assistance is available over the phone.

Tracking

Individuals can track the status of child U.S. passport online through a facility offered by the Department of State. However, it may take a week for the information to become available. Expediting companies send their customers regular status updates by email. Their phone representatives are on hand to respond to any queries.

About the Author

If there's any possibility that you may need to travel beyond the US boarders, it could pay to do your homework. Ensure that you have the documents the government requires for issuing passports. You may need to request an official copy of a missing certificate. You can greatly reduce the cost of fast US pass port application processing by preparing in advance and applying as soon as possible. This can also be done for a child United States passport as well as replacing a lost or stolen passport.